LABORATORY ASSISTANT/PHLEBOTOMIST (PT)

JOB TITLE: Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist
DEPARTMENT: Laboratory
REPORTS TO: Director of Laboratory

JOB SUMMARY
The Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist provides clinical, technical, and administrative support to the Laboratory Department. Responsibilities include performing routine and specialized phlebotomy procedures, processing laboratory orders, collecting and preparing specimens for testing, coordinating reference laboratory testing, and maintaining accurate patient records and documentation. This position also supports the Direct Access Testing program, assists with patient registration and laboratory communications, and maintains laboratory supplies and work areas. Ensures compliance with established laboratory procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety and infection control standards while providing professional, courteous patient care.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
A high school diploma or equivalent is desired. Phlebotomy skills are required. Phlebotomy certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE
One year of secretarial and/or phlebotomy experience preferable.

SKILLS

• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality in all matters with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Must be able to interact effectively with people of various educational levels and backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of standard precautions is an absolute necessity.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Basic phlebotomy skills are necessary, along with knowledge of biohazard waste and packaging.
• Verbal ability is required to comprehend written instructions, admitting procedures, various hospital forms, and to interview patients.
• Tact and understanding required to deal with patients and medical personnel.
• Good eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, and near-visual acuity are required.
• Effective computer and keyboarding skills.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite products including Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn new computer software applications.
• Proficient in clerical and administrative tasks, including document preparation, word processing, filing, data entry, and accurate processing of charges.
• Exceptional phone etiquette.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
BLS (AHA)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Greet patients, physicians, and all co-workers in a professional Planetree manner. Is able to communicate either in person or via telephone to resolve problems and conflicts and/or provide information as necessary while maintaining confidentiality.
• Accept incoming telephone calls in a timely manner, receive requests for services verbally, and monitor for completeness in accordance with Medicare and Medicaid compliance guidelines.
• Receive out-patients into the laboratory, process their laboratory orders which include entering orders into the EHR; follow and use NMO guidelines; obtain proper specimens; update specimens into the laboratory; distribution of the specimens for testing. Monitor daily for accuracy in ordering and make corrections as needed.
• Perform routine phlebotomy procedures on adults, children, and infants, ensuring proper patient identification. Schedule and perform therapeutic and autologous phlebotomy procedures in accordance with Blood Bank standards, ensuring accurate and complete documentation.
• Access and navigate the EHR to process patient laboratory orders, print specimen labels, collect specimens from appropriate patient care areas, document specimen receipt, and distribute specimens for testing.
• Process, fax and file laboratory patient information, hand charge slips, lab requisitions test results, reference laboratory forms and information, and other forms as necessary in accordance with prescribed methods and procedures, including Medicare and Medicaid compliance guidelines.
• Will run the Direct Access Testing program to include greeting and informing participants about the program, collection of fees, obtaining blood samples, registering participants, processing the specimens, and distribution of the specimens for testing.
• Process reference laboratory tests, including verifying specimen requirements and costs, entering orders into the Quest system, preparing and documenting specimens, packaging samples for transport, retrieving test results, and printing reports.
• Maintain weekly supplies for phlebotomy and general laboratory sections. Complete and submit Materials requisitions as necessary and inform the laboratory manager of any supplies needed.
• Clean and maintain phlebotomy trays, Phlebotomy area and reference lab area in accordance with Safety and Infection Control Standards.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Maintain the Laboratory Standing Order file and process the patient’s orders into the LIS as updated according to Compliance standards.
• Accurately sort and distribute laboratory reports to appropriate hospital departments, physician mailboxes, and nursing units.
• Escort and direct patients to the appropriate area of the hospital as needed.
• Maintain weekly supplies for phlebotomy and general laboratory. Complete and submit maintenance or materials requisition as necessary. Notify Laboratory Manager of any supplies needed.
• Assist with preparing, formatting, and updating laboratory manuals, reports, logs, and other departmental documents as needed.
• Support the Laboratory Disaster Plan by performing phlebotomy, coordinating communications and laboratory information with other departments, and assisting with emergency blood procurement procedures during disasters or other emergencies.
• May be assigned additional tasks which the individual is qualified to perform to facilitate the operation of the department and the hospital.